A First in Konya’s History: Karatay Champion

Karatay Belediyespor Club achieved a historic first in Konya’s wrestling history by becoming the Turkish Team Champion at the U17 Greco-Roman Wrestling Turkey Championship. 

At the U17 Greco Roman Wrestling Turkey Championship held between 3–8 February 2026 in Darıca, Kocaeli, with the participation of 323 athletes from 81 provinces, Karatay Belediyespor Club collected 79 points and secured the Turkish team championship in the overall standings. 

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Hamza Yerlikaya, who followed the matches on site, presented the medals to the athletes and attended the trophy ceremony. In the team rankings, Hendek Olympic Sports Club placed second with 74 points, followed by Manisa Metropolitan Municipality in third place with 71 points, after Karatay Belediyespor Club. The athletes who placed on behalf of Karatay Belediyespor Club in the championship were as follows: Mustafa Kerem Karaköse finished second in Türkiye in the 48 kg category, while Mustafa Kenan Çelik in 51 kg, Emirhan Çakır in 71 kg, and Ali Sadi Özpınar in 80 kg finished third in Türkiye. 

NATIONAL DUTY FOR KARATAY COACH ÖZYURT 

Meanwhile, Aytullah Özyurt, one of the coaches of was appointed as a coach of the U17 Greco-Roman National Wrestling Team. 

CONGRATULATIONS FROM HASAN KILCA TO THE WRESTLING TEAM 

Karatay Mayor Hasan Kılca congratulated the athletes and coaches on the championship achieved by the Wrestling Team. Kılca added that as Karatay Municipality they will continue to support sports and athletes and noted that efforts will continue with the understanding of “Karatay, the Star of Sports.”